A developer of two new single-family homes on Belvidere Road was recently ordered to halt work until he applies for, and receives, appropriate permits to prevent erosion.
Brad M. Patnaude, whose Bear Capital Group is owner of record, told WHAV in an email he is working hard to satisfy city requirements. That includes applying for erosion control permits and making sure the street is clear of any loose dirt and gravel.
Patnaude was told to stop work until he obtains a permit for erosion control measures after meeting with city officials April 7. The city’s order came after the city received complaints about excessive runoff of dirt, sand and gravel from the hilly properties. Patenaude is in the process of constructing two houses on the hill above the street at 30 and 36 Belvidere Road.
City Engineer Lisa DeMeo told WHAV Patnaude attempted to control erosion by erecting a retaining wall behind the houses. However, she said he should have applied for permits to construct the walls before they were put up because they are more than four feet tall. Additionally, he needs a wall to prevent runoff from in front of the houses.
“I recognize he is a new developer and inexperienced, but the law we are dealing with is a state law and he has to comply,” DeMeo said. Patnaude said the missed permit is a misunderstanding as he believed the engineering documentation would be verified at inspection.
To get back to work, DeMeo said Patnaude must submit plans from a registered engineer that addresses erosion issues from both the front and in back of the houses. In the interim, he must reinstall the fabric filter fence in front of the houses because it has collapsed in some areas.
Ward 4 City Councilor Melissa J. Lewandowski said she heard from neighbors just below the parcels. One neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said she and her partner have been complaining since last September about unsafe conditions. Another neighbor said that in addition to dirt and gravel, grass seed has washed down to their property and has sprouted in a gravel margin.
Patnaude received the go-ahead from the Haverhill Planning Board on Sept. 14, 2022 to build two single-family homes on so-called Form A lots—lots that satisfy area, frontage and set-back requirements. Patenaude said the houses are substantially complete and he is eager to get them on the market.
“My goal has always been to improve properties, create housing opportunities and contribute positively to the city’s growth, tax base and long-term vitality,” Patnaude wrote in an email to WHAV. “It’s such a great city. I hope these homes will provide an opportunity for young families to join the Haverhill community.”